BRUNSWICK – The Oratorio Chorale, under the direction of Peter Frewen, offers three festive works by Handel in the first concert of their 2008-09 season. The concerts, titled “Festive Handel,” will be presented Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. at the Orion Performing Arts Center in Topsham; and Sunday, Nov. 16, at 3 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Yarmouth.

The Maine Chamber Ensemble and bass soloist John D. Adams join the Chorale in Handel’s “Four Coronation Anthems,” written for the crowning of George II, and the “Te Deum,” written to celebrate George II’s victory at the Battle of Dettingen.

Director Peter Frewen notes that “Handel excelled at supplying music fit for the ceremonial magnificence of kings” – these two pieces convey pomp, joyousness, praise and ultimately gratitude and thanks to God. The Maine Chamber Ensemble enhances these feelings with its presentation of the “Entrance of the Queen of Sheba.”

Frewen further notes that the Coronation Anthems “inspire us with the aspiration toward our better nature and with hope in the power of a benevolent and well regulated government to achieve good for its citizenry.”

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at door, students are half-price and those under 12 are free. Individual tickets are available from any chorale member as are season subscriptions of $50 for all three 2008-09 concerts. Tickets are also available at Starbird Music and Longfellow Books in Portland, Books Etc. in Falmouth, Clayton’s in Yarmouth, Gulf of Maine Bookstore in Brunswick, Mason Street Mercantile and Magnolia’s in Bath, Treats in Wiscasset and The Maine Coast Book shop in Damariscotta.

For more information, visit www.oratoriochorale.org or call 725-1420.

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